Rossendale offers a different kind of Lancashire day out, shaped by a network of towns and villages rather than a single centre. Places like Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth and Haslingden each bring their own character, creating what locals simply call “The Valley”. Its industrial past is still visible in mills, heritage sites and local traditions, with museums and events helping to tell the story—including well-known fixtures like the World Gravy Wrestling Championships.
The landscape plays just as big a part, with a patchwork of hills, trails and open spaces linking the Valley together. Walking, cycling and riding routes are easy to pick up, while those looking for something more active can try everything from mountain biking to skiing at The Hill at Ski Rossendale. Independent shops, local makers and places to eat are dotted throughout the towns, giving you plenty of reasons to stop off as you explore each corner of this varied and distinctive part of East Lancashire.
Find out more Rossendale Borough Council
October is here and soon the weekends will be full of Halloween fun, but before the pumpkin picking and spooky stories take over, this weekend is easing you into the month gently.
Pumpkin picking is becoming more popular every year, with all shapes, colours, and sizes ready to be picked and carved. Even better, most places now provide you with the option to carve your pumpkin there, so you can leave your mess behind!
Another great weekend of fun awaits in Lancashire this week! From celebrating the 1940s to the heritage of one of Lancashire's most famous fishing ports, through to monsters and fire feasts, there is something for everyone
Nestled deep in the heart of the Irwell Valley, the East Lancashire Railway spans 12 miles of beautiful Lancastrian scenery and over a century of rich history.
Read MoreSet in the picturesque valley, it is the premier outdoor ski and snowboarding centre in the UK.
Read MoreA welcoming approach of flowers gardens, rockeries, seated terraces, cascading streams and pools set the hotel in a delightful tranquillity.
Read MoreThe industrial heritage of the north west is brought to life before your very eyes.
Read MoreA traditional and contemporary a museum, but with a modern twist.
Read MoreThe Lee and Crag Quarries offer scenic and challenging mountain biking in Bacup.
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Date: 14th Nov 2026
Join us for this session to learn more about the upcoming Creative Futures Project and our plans for the next 3 years. Find out how you'll be able to get involved in festival production, sound and tech, curation, and exhibiting through a series of...
Read MoreDate: 19th Nov 2026
Lost and Gone - Forever?Join us as Eco-artist Phil Barton shares the ideas behind his exhibition, reflecting on the loss of wildlife and habitats in the Rossendale Valley. Through the stories of Atlantic Salmon, Redshank, Red Squirrel...
Read MoreDate: 29th Nov 2026
Watch out! Dinosaurs about!A one man adventure with poetry, rap, dance... and lots of dinosaurs!Join Proto, the smallest and quietest dino, as he meets some wildly different prehistoric personalities!Cheeky T-re...
Read MoreDate: 17th Dec 2026
Baked A La Ska are the “heavy heavy sound” of Manchester, a super charged 11-headed ska monster on a rampage through the dance floors of the UK leaving a trail of skanked out bodies in their wake.
Read MoreDate: 17th Dec 2026
Get into the festive spirit with our Christmas Cracker Workshop! Create your own personalised Christmas crackers, complete with plenty of festive cheer. Enjoy a relaxed, creative atmosphere while crafting crackers that are guaranteed to impress ar...
Read MoreDate: 10th Dec 2026
Join us for a festive journey through the history of Christmas and discover how many of the traditions we cherish today evolved over the centuries. From Victorian Christmas cards and decorated trees to carol singing, festive food and gift-giving,...
Read MoreDistance8 miles
Lee Quarry is the first of Rossendale’s purpose built mountain bike venues.
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